Page 30 of Someday You Learn

“Gotta give her credit—that’s pretty brave.”

“Yeah, until she dragged me into it.”

“Was she apologetic about it at least?”

“Yeah, but her relationship with her father seems way more complicated than I realized. Otherwise, why lie to him about what she’s doing here?”

“Then cut her some slack, Parker. You know better than anyone how much it sucks to let someone down.” My teeth clench in response to his comment. “Did she at least tell you why she lied?”

I stare out at the street as a couple bikes past my house. This neighborhood is farther from the main part of town, so there’s very minimal traffic and people, just the way I like it. Most of my neighbors are retirees or quiet couples. It’s peaceful and I don’t feel like I have to watch my back everywhere I turn like I do when I’m at work.

Thankfully, the crazy women who’ve been stalking me haven’t ventured to my home…yet.

“A little. I don’t know, Dallas, she just seems all over the place right now. I don’t need another Sasha situation on my hands—”

“Cashlynn is nothing like Sasha,” he says, cutting me off.

“We don’t know that. I don’t know anything about this woman, and she’s moving in with me tomorrow. Shit, I thought I knew the woman I was actually engaged to, but that turned out to be a big, fat fucking lie too.”

Dallas sighs. “Parker, you’ve got to let the Sasha thing go.”

I scoff. “You act like it’s so fucking easy.”

“Believe me, if there is anyone who knows what it’s like to hold on to shit, it’s me. And I’m telling you, little brother, letting go of my anger toward Dad was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.”

I swallow hard, the familiar tightness building in my chest. “And how exactly am I supposed to do that, Dallas? I can’t just ignore what she did, or how bad I let things get after. You think I haven’t tried?”

“You focus on moving forward. And I’m not gonna lie… Willow’s a big part of why I was able to finally let go. Also, therapy is a big fucking help. Willow and I both went after our worlds collided, and we still do from time to time. Processing your shit out loud is life-changing. Trust me.”

I hang my head, an ache spreading through my chest. “Not everyone gets a happily ever after, Dallas.”

“Only by choice, Parker. Believe me, when it’s worth it, you fight for that happiness every day.”

“Yeah, well, Cashlynn and I are a temporary thing. Let me survive the next four months and then you can lecture me about dating again.”

He laughs. “You might feel different after your time with her.”

I huff. “You’re hilarious.”

“Look, you two obviously have a connection if you slept together. Why not explore it?”

“Because she’s my boss’s daughter, for one. And two, who knows if she’s even staying here? Beyond her moving in with me tomorrow, I have no idea what her plans are.” I pause, hearing Willow’s voice in the background. “Hey, while she’s there, tell my amazing sister-in-law she can foot my therapy bills, since her videos are half the reason I’ll need it.” Dallas laughs as I continue. “Cashlynn was quick to remind me that a fake engagement would get my stalkers off of my back. Funny thing is, I wouldn’t have any if it weren’t for Willow, so...”

“You should be thanking her, Parker.”

“Uh, for what, exactly?”

“For bringing some excitement to your life,” he says with a laugh.

“Yeah, well, between those videos and my fake engagement, I think I’m good on excitement for the next year or so.”

I hear Willow’s voice again in the background, and Dallas covers the phone. When he comes back, he says, “Willow wanted me to tell you that she thinks the geese are getting ready to lay eggs again, by the way.”

I do some mental calculations. “Makes sense. They usually start around the end of February, early March.”

“Say, why don’t you bring Cashlynn over to see them? Willow can film another video and include your fiancée this time. The women in the comments will go nuts, and word will spread that you’re a taken man.”

Shit. I hate to say it, but my brother might be onto something. “That’s actually not a terrible idea.”

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